Railway vehicle height controlling system

ABSTRACT

A roadbed height controlling system for the carriages of track supported trucks, especially for example of trains and/or monorails, and characterized by a precisely positioned height controlling element disposed protectively between and independently of the tracks and transversely spaced wheels of the truck, the height control being of the type wherein the said controlling element is supported independently of the roadbed and not subjected to deflective loading. This protectively positioned controlling element concept is applicable to column supported roadbeds, and suspended roadbeds as well.

United States Patent [1 1 Ellzey 111] 3,707,926 1 Jan. 2, 1 973 [54] RAILWAY VEHICLE HEIGHT CONTROLLING SYSTEM [76] Inventor: Floyd P. Ellzey, 2301 Marshallfield Lane, Redondo Beach, Calif. 90278 [22] Filed: Jan. 5, 1970 [21] Appl. No.: 769

[52] US, Cl ..104/1 R, 104/123,104/243, 105/1 A, 105/164, 105/210, 105/218 A [51] Int. Cl. ..B6lb 5/02, 1361b 9/00, B6lf 11/00 [58] Field of Search ..104/1, 23 FS,118,119,120, 104/121, 123, 124, 125, 243,1 R; 105/1, 141,144,145,197 B, 1 A, 164, 210, 218 A,

171; 267/3, 4; 280/6 R,'6 H, 6.1, 611,124 F,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,094,341 611963 Alfieri ..280/124 F 2,925,875 2/1960 Bourdon ..104/119 X 639,713 12/1899 Cooley ..104/123 3,001,484 9/1961 Bingham ..104/120 X 518,564 4/1894 Burton ..104/123 1,060,566 4/1913 Harvey 1 04/124 3,524,634 8/1970 Schmidt ..267/65 2,080,180 5/1937 Messier ..105/171 Primary Examiner-Gerald M. Forlenza Assistant Examiner-Howard Beltran Att0meyWilliam H. Maxwell [5 7 ABSTRACT A roadbed height controlling system for the carriages of track supported trucks, especially for example of trains and/or monorails, and characterized by a precisely positioned height controlling element disposed protectively between and independently of the tracks and transversely spaced wheels of the truck, the height control being of the type wherein the said controlling element is supported independently of the roadbed and not subjected to deflective loading. This protectively positioned controlling element concept is applicable to column supported roadbeds, and suspended'roadbeds as well.

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RAILWAY VEHICLE IIEIGII'I CONTROLLING SYSTEM The roadbeds of trains and the like, whether they be column supported, or suspended from above, are subjected to depressing loads that create an uneven ride as and when unpredictable variations in elevation occur. And although deflections per se are anticipated, the amounts thereof are not entirely predictable due to uncontrollable extenuating circumstances. As a consequence, prepared roadbeds and unsupported spans between columns and/r suspension supports are subject to and dependent upon ever present variable factors; and a perfectly smooth and level ride is ordinarily rendered impossible by virtue of the irregularities that occur along the roadbed. However, height controls are proposed for the level transport of trucks over roadbeds, wherein variably adjustable supports position the trucks at a predetermined height responsive to the height of an independent height controlling element. It is this latter type of height control element to which the improvements of the present invention relates, it being a general object of this invention to precisely position and protectively shroud the height controlling element independent of the roadbed, and to the end that it is practically useful for the purpose intended.

An object of this invention is to provide a control element position in combination with the spaced tracks of a roadbed and so related to the tracks, so that applicability to distinct types of roadbeds is made possible. With the present invention, the protectively shouded height controlling element is advantageously positioned for use with column supported and as well as with suspended roadbeds.

The various objects and features of this invention will be fully understood from the following detailed description of the typical preferred form and application thereof, throughout which description reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a general side view of the present invention applied to a column supported roadbed.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken as indicated by line 22-2 on FIG. 1, and

FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional view of the truck suspension of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a general side view of the present invention applied to a suspended roadbed.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken as indicated by line 55 on FIG. 4, and

FIG. 6 is an enlarged sectional view of the truck suspension of FIG. 4.

FIGS. 7 and 8 are illustrative diagrams of typical roadbed conditions, FIG. 7 showing an under stressed and/or loaded roadbed, and FIG. 8 showing an over prestressed and/or unloaded roadbed.

FIG. 9 is a side elevation showing the independency of the roadbed and height control element.

A height control His provided to work independently of a roadbed and is operative to sense a predetermined plane established by a precisely positioned height controlling element E. In practice there are basically two'distinct types of roadbeds (R1 and R2) as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 4 of the drawings. In each instance the roadbed is subjected to depressing loads and as well to varying environmental conditions, and as a consequence a perfect roadbed is virtually nonexistent. Therefore, the height control means is interposed and protectively shrouded within the confines of the primary roadbed structure, being supported from substantially immovable foundations F therefrom so as to be uneffected by the deflections in the roadbed, and regardless of the forces applied resulting in said deflections of the primary structure.

Generally and as shown throughout the drawings, a wheel supported truck T operates upon a roadbed (R1 and R2) and carries a vehicle body B of suitable type as circumstances require. The truck T is either a simple supported truck or a traction truck and in either case is characterized by spaced pairs of wheels 10, an usual truck having two pairs of wheels spaced transversely by the track width and with the truck structure extending therebetween so as to journal the necessary axles 11, in this instance independently suspended axles. The mode of suspended axles can vary widely, three typical modes being illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 4 respectively.

Referring to FIG. 1 and a hydro-pneumatic mode of suspending the axles 11 and wheels 10, the truck T involves a frame 12, articulated axle supported arms 16 that position each axle 11, and a height displacement servo means S that operates the said arms in response to the height control means H. In this embodiment the truck T carries the vehicle body B above the roadbed RI with the transversely spaced wheels 10 positioned as to height and in spaced relation to the vehicle body B by means of the arms 16, preferably trailing and/or leading arms joumaled on transverse axes parallel to the wheel that is supported, in each instance. The arms 16 are either directly or indirectly supported by the servo means S, and in the case illustrated through a lever system of bellcrank configuration. As shown, the height displacement servo means S is a cylinder and piston unit disposed on a horizontal axis with its movable element shiftably carrying a pneumatic spring D which yieldingly carries the axles 11-. The position bias applied to the wheel 10 by the servo means S and spring D is transmitted through the arm 16 that maintains axial alignment of the axle 11. The roadbed R1 is column supported and involves spaced tracks 20 upon which the wheels 10 have rolling engagement. The roadbed R1 is a cast or fabricated structure of elongated beam configuration and presents spaced wheel supporting ribbons and each of which forms a track 20. The tracks 20 are positioned beneath the track of the wheels respectively, and each is flanged. Intermediate the tracks there is the height control element E independently supported at intervals by'upwardly projecting foundations F. Thus, the height control element E is protectively shrouded within the confines of and between the spaced track 20 so as to control the vehicle ride as later described.

Referring to FIG. 4 and a hydro-mechanical mode of suspending the axles 11 and wheels 10, the truck T involves a frame 12, articulated axle supporting arms 26 that position the axle 11, and a height displacement servomeans S that operates the said arms in response to the height control means H. In this embodiment the truck T carries the vehicle body B below the roadbed R2 and below the transversely spaced wheels 10 positioned as to height and in spaced relation above the roadbed by means of the'arms 26, preferably trailing and/or leading armsjournaled on transverse axes parallel to the wheel that is supported, in each instance. The

arms 26 are-indirectly supported by the servo means S, and in the case now under consideration, through a cantilevered leaf-spring 27. As shown, the height displacement servo means S is a cylinder and piston unit disposed on a vertical axis with its movable element shiftable to bear downwardly upon the leaf-spring 27 at a pivot point spaced from the fulcrum. A shackle 28 couples the leaf-spring 27 to the arms 26, and all of which positionably biases the wheel 10. The roadbed R2 is preferably a fabricated beam structure comprising upper and lower cap members 20 and 31 held in spaced relation by means of longitudinal and transversely disposed webs 32 and 33. The lowermost cap members 31 are provided in pairs that include oppositely and outwardly projecting coplanar tracks 36 upon which the wheels have rolling engagement. The roadbed R2 presents spaced and flanged ribbons, at the track width, and intermediate the rails the height control element E is supported at intervals by upwardly projecting foundations F. Thus, the height controlling element E is independently and protectively shrouded within the confines of and between the spaced tracks 36 so as to control the vehicle ride, as later described.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8 of the drawings understressed and prestressed roadbeds are diagrammed. The roadbed of FIG. 7 is understressed as shown with no load applied, and as a consequence a vehicle traveling therealong will be subjected to an undulating ride. Furthermore, even if the roadbed of FIG. 7 is straight when unloaded, it will be subject to the condition shown when the weight of a vehicle is loaded thereon. The roadbed of FIG. 8 is over prestressed as shown, even with a load applied, and as a consequence a vehicle traveling therealong will be subjected to an undulating ride. Obviously, for optimum conditions to prevail is an impossibility, and therefore FIG. 9 shown an usual condition wherein the beam structure of the roadbed is depressed but wherein the control element E remains independent and straight. A feature of the present invention is the common use by the roadbed (R1 and R2) and by control element E of the spaced foundations F.

In accordance with the invention the roadbed R1 and R2 is in each instance entirely separated from the height control element E insofar as support is concerned, but while sharing completely in jointly utilizing the foundation F for support. Therefore and as clearly illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 4, there are space foundations F (see FIG. 9) along the roadbed to support the same and/or to support the height control element E, the vertical disposition of the foundation F being such that little or no deflection or depression thereof is effected and to the end that the element E is immovably supported at intervals, while the roadbed is free to depress under load between the said foundations.

The height control means H is provided to sense the position of-a predetermined plane and to confine the operation of the truck T and vehicle Bto said plane. Accordingly, the height control element E is provided as a plane establishment means and the height displacement servo means S is responsive thereto. The plane established by the height control element E can vary from planar form to curved configurations, all as circumstances require, and the element E is coextensive with the roadbed and protectively positioned inter mediate the tracks thereof as hereinabove described.

The height control element E is installed accurately at the precise height required and following perfectly straight lines and/or fair curves. The element E is a guide that adequately carries its own weight and is not subjected to deflective loads. As shown, the element E is supported at intervals by or upon the foundations F and upon intermediate foundations F as circumstances require, entirely independent of the roadbed.

The height displacement servo means S involves a follower 40 that isurged lightly into engagement with the element E. The servo means S provides a double acting cylinder and piston servo having a movable ram member 43 which affords the movable support for positioning the axle 11 and wheel 10, as hereinabove described. As shown, there are two servo operating valves, one a lowering valve 44 and the other a raising valve 45. The valves 44 and 45 are positioned by an arm 46 that carries a follower or shoe 47 that rides upon the control element E. The valves 44 and 45 are responsive to the slightest variations in height and are operably inversely with respect to each other, to supply and to exhaust fluid from opposite ends of the cylinder and piston of servo means S. Thus, assuming that the roadbed has been depressed, the arm 46 will raise and thereby activate the'valve 44 in order to admit fluid into the servo means S to raise the ram member 43, while the valve 45 exhausts fluid. On the contrary, assuming the reverse situation the valve 45 is actuated in order to admit fluid into the servo means S to lower the ram member 43, while valve 44 exhausts fluid. Commercially available servo systems are used to perform the above stated functions, whereby the position of the ram member 43 dynamically reflects the height position of the height control element E.

From the foregoing it will be seen that a protectively positioned height control is provided for distinct types of roadbeds, to dynamically position the operation height of trucks moving thereon, regardless of the roadbed deflection within a tolerable range. The roadbed and height controlling element enjoy a common support while remaining free insofar as applied loads are concerned, and all of which involves the protective shrouding of the said control element within the confines of the spaced track members, and which also advantageously places said height control element for following engagement with the height sensing element of the height control means.

Having described only a typical preferred form and application of my invention, I do not wish to be limited or restricted to the specific details herein set forth, but wish to reserve to myself any modifications or variations that may appear to those skilled in the art:

Having described my invention, I claim:

1. A height control means for the controllable suspension of a truck operable upon a roadbed comprising a pair of spaced parallel tracks andhaving a frame with laterally spaced tracking wheels journaled on bearings positioned vertically relative to the frame by servo means mounted on the frame and said wheels having rolling engagement upon said parallel tracks respectively, and including, foundation means located at spaced intervals along said roadbed, a height control element supportedv by and extending between said spaced foundation means and coextensively independent of the roadbed therebetween and placed at a predetermined height relative to the roadbed, and means engaging and sensing the height of said element and positioning the said servo means and adjusting the same to a position determined by the height of said height control element.

2. The height control means as set forth in claim 1 and wherein the servo means sensing the height of said height control element adjusts a spring support of the truck suspension to a position determined by the height of said height control element.

3. The height control means as set froth in claim 1 and wherein said means sensing the height of the height control element comprises a position sensitive valve movably engaged with said element, and wherein the servo means comprises cylinder and piston unit with a ram responsive to the position of the valve to adjustably place the truck suspension to a position determined by the height of said height control element.

47 The height control means as set forth in claim 1 and wherein said means sensing the height of the height control element comprises a position sensitive valve movably engaged with said element, and wherein the servo means comprises a cylinder and piston unit with a ram responsive to the position of the valve to adjustably place a spring support of the truck suspension to a position determined by the height of said height control element.

5. The height control means as set forth in claim 1 and wherein said means sensing the height of the height control element comprises position sensitive valves movably engaged with said element and sensitive to displacement of the truck above and below the height of said height control element, and wherein the servo means comprises a double acting ram responsive to the positions of the valves to raise and lower a spring support of the truck suspension to maintain the same at a position determined by the height of said height control element.

6. The height control means as set forth in claim 1 and wherein the said foundation means also supports the roadbed at said spaced intervals in common therewith.

7. The height control means as set forth in claim 1 and wherein the said foundation means comprises columns also supporting the roadbed at said spaced intervals in common therewith.

8. The height control means as set forth in claim 1 and wherein the height control element is suspended at said spaced intervals by said foundation means which also suspends the roadbed in common therewith.

9. The height control means as set forth in claim 1 and wherein the height control element is supported at said spaced intervals by said foundation means which also extends laterally thereof to support the parallel tracks of the roadbed.

10. The height control means as set forth in claim 1 and wherein the height control element is suspended at said spaced intervals by said foundation means which also extends laterally thereof to suspend parallel tracks of the roadbed. 

1. A height control means for the controllable suspension of a truck operable upon a roadbed comprising a pair of spaced parallel tracks and having a frame with laterally spaced tracking wheels journaled on bearings positioned vertically relative to the frame by servo means mounted on the frame and said wheels having rolling engagement upon said parallel tracks respectively, and including, foundation means located at spaced intervals along said roadbed, a height control element supported by and extending between said spaced foundation means and coextensively independent of the roadbed therebetween and placed at a predetermined height relative to the roadbed, and means engaging and sensing the height of said element and positioning the said servo means and adjusting the same to a position determined by the height of said height control element.
 2. The height control means as set forth in claim 1 and wherein the servo means sensing the height of said height control element adjusts a spring support of the truck suspension to a position determined by the height of said height control element.
 3. The height control means as set froth in claim 1 and wherein said means sensing the height of the height control element comprises a position sensitive valve movably engaged with said element, and wherein the servo means comprises cylinder and piston unit with a ram responsive to the position of the valve to adjustably place the truck suspension to a position determined by the height of said height contrOl element.
 4. The height control means as set forth in claim 1 and wherein said means sensing the height of the height control element comprises a position sensitive valve movably engaged with said element, and wherein the servo means comprises a cylinder and piston unit with a ram responsive to the position of the valve to adjustably place a spring support of the truck suspension to a position determined by the height of said height control element.
 5. The height control means as set forth in claim 1 and wherein said means sensing the height of the height control element comprises position sensitive valves movably engaged with said element and sensitive to displacement of the truck above and below the height of said height control element, and wherein the servo means comprises a double acting ram responsive to the positions of the valves to raise and lower a spring support of the truck suspension to maintain the same at a position determined by the height of said height control element.
 6. The height control means as set forth in claim 1 and wherein the said foundation means also supports the roadbed at said spaced intervals in common therewith.
 7. The height control means as set forth in claim 1 and wherein the said foundation means comprises columns also supporting the roadbed at said spaced intervals in common therewith.
 8. The height control means as set forth in claim 1 and wherein the height control element is suspended at said spaced intervals by said foundation means which also suspends the roadbed in common therewith.
 9. The height control means as set forth in claim 1 and wherein the height control element is supported at said spaced intervals by said foundation means which also extends laterally thereof to support the parallel tracks of the roadbed.
 10. The height control means as set forth in claim 1 and wherein the height control element is suspended at said spaced intervals by said foundation means which also extends laterally thereof to suspend parallel tracks of the roadbed. 